Author: earspasm
Date: 2021-12-03 18:39
SunnyDaze wrote me and asked if I could come over to write down some thoughts on this subject. Thanks @kilo for linking that video I did for Selmer. It captures my thinking pretty succinctly, which is something I'm not usually good at. They also had a good editor.
So, SunnyDaze asked specifically about options for young people who want to "double-major" in life (my wife's term for what I do, which I love).
In my teaching I have met a few "categories" of young people: 1) Those who don't enjoy anything else besides playing music; 2) Those who do enjoy things in addition to playing music, but never thought about those as career options; 3) Those who actively pursue something other than music, but want to keep music in their lives. Of course, each is a continuum, and there are nuances and variations to all. I started out as #2. I think a lot of kids do. So I'll focus there.
If you are someone who just looooooves the clarinet, and WANTS to make that your career, then by all means do it. But as you travel through your early life (e.g., in college/university), open your eyes to the ancillary parts of "being a musician." For example, do you like to edit your recordings of concerts? Do you like making recital posters, because you like the challenge of building an audience for your recitals? Do you like posting tips for others about the clarinet? Do you like making content on, I dunno, YouTube? Do you like improvising or composing? Do you enjoy organizing and staging concerts in the community? Do you like making things that help you play/hold/store/accessorize your instrument? Do you like designing websites to promote yourself? Do you like speaking to audiences from the stage before you perform a piece?
It goes on and on, and this is just a small list to get you thinking. But, you can see that each of these questions is an area that is still "within music" but that uses a slightly different part of your brain. AND, most importantly, they are TRANSFERABLE skills. By that I mean, they are skills that you have honed as a musician, but which can be deployed outside of music. Talking to audiences with confidence? You have the skill to talk to a conference room full of CEOs to present an idea. Design lots of recital posters? You could have a career in marketing (which, by the way, was my entree to working in advertising). Editing recordings? You could work in content creation and editing (and not just music, but you can do film editing as well as music editing).
Ideally, the point is to occupy your brain with things you enjoy, and find fulfilling (both emotionally and remuneratively). If that's playing in an orchestra, awesome—and I wish you great success (and luck)! But just know that you can also have a life where you "transfer" your skills to a different career, with the same emotional results—and often better financial ones. For me, after a big client pitch for an ad campaign, I literally get the same "High Five!!" dopamine rush that I get after a concert. And in that way, I know I'm doing the right thing for me.
So to all of you in college, especially if you are a music (performance) major, hear me now, and believe me later: You DO NOT have to make your living as a musician to be a performer at the highest level, to contribute to music, to be a highly-functioning "musical citizen," and to feel fulfilled. You are NOT "selling out." You are NOT "giving up." You are NOT "disappointing" anyone.
Finally, at the risk of offending people (since when do I shy away from that anyway?): I will take a good musical citizen over a "clarinet-owner-operator" any day of the week. I don't care if you play in the Phil or in your basement. Contribute, dammit. Like all of you do here every day, for each other, for young people, for the community. Seriously. I don't come around here often because I've found different outlets to contribute, but this place is special — my hat(s) are off to you all.
With respect,
Michael
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The Clarinet BBoard
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